Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Esplanade, Goat, Gold, Jordan, North Columbia, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Retallack, South Columbia, Valhalla, Whatshan.
Warm temps continue, allow time for the upper snowpack to gain strength before planning to venture into challenging or complex terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, numerous and widespread reports of wet loose avalanches on all but north aspect terrain have been submitted. These avalanche have been mostly small (size 1) with a few large to very large (size 2 to 2.5).
Large natural cornice failures continue to be reported and are a prime suspect for triggering large persistent slab avalanches.
Snowpack Summary
On the surface, up to 30 cm of recent snow exists on northerly aspects in the alpine and due to warm temperatures and elevated freezing levels is settling and becoming moist. Solar aspects and lower elevations on all aspects will present as moist snow.
Below this, a 5 to 25 cm variable strength crust from the late March rain event is present. This is capping a moist upper snowpack.
The primary weak layer of concern was buried in early March consisting of surface hoar, facets, and a crust is now 80 to 150 cm deep.
Deeper weak layers from February and January are buried 150 to 200 cm deep.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy with light rain or snow 1 to 5 cm. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6 °C. Freezing level falling to 2200 m.
Monday
Cloudy with snow and rain 10 to 20 cm . 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m rising to 1800 m .
Tuesday
Cloudy with snow and rain 1 to 5 cm. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1200 m rising to 1800 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 5 to 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.
- The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
- Avalanche danger will rapidly increase if snow switches to rain.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are likely when the snow remains unconsolidated and temperatures are warm.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Weak layers in the upper and mid snowpack may become more reactive with strong sun and warm temperatures.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3